Alternate Views

Got questions?

Opulence, decadence, overt sensuality--traits of the Oriental masterpiece designed by Yves Saint Laurent as an homage to the women obsessed with YSL Haute Couture and Rive Gauche Prêt-à-Porter. A swooning quality is sensed from the outset: omnipotent notes of mandarin and bergamot have the air of the mystical with middle notes of myrrh and jasmine. A final accord of deep amber laced with Opoponaux imbues the scent with its celebrated rapture. In a chic Chinoiserie-inspired flacon.

The Parfum is the ultimate expression of perfumer’s art and the vision of Yves Saint Laurent.

A shopper asked:Opium was my favorite purfume. Loved it, loved it. Bought some a few months ago, egads, what have they done to it? Doesn't smell wonderful like it did. I'm so upset about the change. Why, why, why would they change the formula???I have been using Opium for over 30 years. I always got compliments on how good I smelled. Now no one notices. I won't buy it again in the future, UNLESS they go back to the original formula. Is there any place I can buy the original Opium? Libra in MichiganOct 26, 2012

David S:SHE IS CORRECT SLIGHT DIFFERENCE IN FRAGRANCE SMELL AND MY WIFE HAS BEEN USING THIS PRODUCT FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS THE ONLY ONE SHE LIKES AND I LIKE I NOTICED A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE AS HER HUSBAND BUT NOT A GREAT DEAL THE OLDER ONE SEEMED TO HAVE A SWEETER AND MORE COMPELING FRAGRANCE . SO I WASNOT SURE WEATHER TO BUY IT AGAIN ESPECIALLY IF DOES NOT FULLY MEET OUR SATISFACTION FROM PREVIOUS YEARS ESEPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE. AS WE ATHLETES SAY THE BALL IS NOW IN YOUR COURTOct 26, 2012

Sam K:The formula has changed. However, you can still find the original formula if you search for it. You can do a search for "Opium Perfume - Hard to Find" (or Vintage Opium Perfume)Good luckApr 10, 2013

Sara S:Yes, there is a difference and not in a good way. I had worn Opium as my signature fragrance for 25 years and got compliments all the time. When the formulation changed I knew it was bad, but when somebody asked me if I had just sprayed hair spray I knew it was time to find a new fragrance. I will not buy Opium again unless they go back to the original formula.Nov 13, 2014

Leah L:The formula has not changed, people are just buying the OPIUM EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY or the OPIUM EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY instead of the OPIUM PARFUM. The original is the OPIUM PARFUM which is not a spray and you have to dab it on. So if you buy the wrong one then yes there will be a difference.Feb 19, 2013

Kent R:
The formula has absolutely changed, however it may not be entirely YSL Beauté's fault. Many of Opium's aromachemicals are no longer in use, having been restricted by the IFRA (International Fragrance Association).
Jul 15, 2015

Laurie E:I noticed the difference right away :( I have been buying older versions off eBay for a while, but getting harder to find! I wrote customer service, and received the same BS answer....I sincerely doubt it is anything but price/profit driving the change.....Nov 17, 2013

Cheryl B:A little confused, I called the customer service line and spoke to a representative. She told me that because they are selling internationally ( for over a year now) they had to change some of the ingredience to comply with international standards. She told me all opium sold now is of the new fragrance. The old no longer exists! She said it is so close that most people can't tell the difference. Now I am wondering because I bought some in January of this year but did not smell a difference. It had the orginal packaging as well. I am going to sample it at a department store.Sep 6, 2012

Sam K:
The formula has changed. However, you can still find the original formula if you search for it. You can do a search for "Opium Perfume - Hard to Find" (or Vintage Opium Perfume)Good luck
Apr 10, 2013

oswaldo r:I bought it through Internet and returned it. because I was not happy with the fragrance. I use Opium for more than 35 years. Bought it again from one certain store and not happy again. The only one I was satisfied was bought at a third store. It doesn't make sense, but that is the true.I 've got what I wanted.Aug 26, 2012

Naomi P:Yes because charge to expensive 4 1oz $320.00 I remember so how many people can afford so could U please cut pricing dawn I have been using it from 1983 I was In Germany thank you have wonderful day God bless you.Aug 26, 2012

Sam K:The formula has changed. However, you can still find the original formula if you search for it. You can do a search for "Opium Perfume - Hard to Find" (or Vintage Opium Perfume)Good luckApr 10, 2013

Sally L:I agree with Lynda B.... its not the same . What are they doing to it..... I've ordering several times ...I even called and questioned about the change in fragrance.... the body cream and powder seem to be the original.... but that's all... please check this out.....May 22, 2013

Louise C:Yes Lynda, I agree. The last bottle I purchased made me shudder, it smelled "old ladyish" in some way. The formula has definitely changed. Neither can you purchase a full ounce. I stopped wearing it after a while because it was giving me a headache. I am highly sensitive to fragrances likely due to my numerous allergies. I will no longer be purchasing my "signature scent" and have not sought any replacements, as it causes headaches to "sniff out" new scents. I am very sad about this. Hopefully you will find something to replace it with. Good luck.May 19, 2013

carol j:I don't notice a difference in the scent in the parfum but the eau de toilette definitely seems differemt. Lets che k with the company snd find out if there has neen a change in formula.May 27, 2013

Linda B asked:Is this the original opium tassled parfum? YSL changed to a new line this past year or so and I have been unable to find the old parfum in department stores. The new scent is not the same. I want to make sure this is the orignal scent before I purchase it.Feb 26, 2012

Sandra A:I bought my parfum from corporate and it was the same wonderful parfum as before the only thing is you can no longer get it in the 1/4 oz. size. I went to corporate because like youself I could no longer find it in department stores. Hope this helps. Sandy AFeb 27, 2012

William D:You are correct - it's hard to find in the old, usual places. This site appears to be the only source for the original Opium parfum. I've looked for it in duty free shops, Amazon, etc., with no success. I was pleased with the purchase and the prompt delivery.-bill d.Feb 27, 2012

carol j:Yes, this is the original scent! Unfortunately it is only available through this site, but well worth it anyway you can and only in this quarter ounce. But be sure it is the hypnotic,alluring, spicy, yet fascinating oriiginal Opium.Feb 26, 2012

Joan S:I hope so because I gave it as a gift. I have given this as a gift to my sister for the last 25 years. I was always able to bur it at Jordan Marsh now Macy's. The last one I was able to buy at Macy's was 2 years ago.Feb 27, 2012

eliza asked:Has the bottle labeling of Yves Saint Laurent Opium Parfume extract 15ml changed from that shown on websites. I bought otwo bottles from a reputable company and instead of the bottle reading Opium Parfume, it just says Opium and the gold writing is peeling off. The extract is very weak, only the wearer knows they are wearing it, and fades away after about an hour. Can you tell me if this is a genuine product?Jan 20, 2015

John D:Hello, I had looked high and low for the "original" Opium perfume. The major department stores all tried to convince me their perfume was the same. But it wasn't. The bottle I bought here was 1.5 ounces I believe it was the real deal that I gave to my wife over 30 years ago. Still smelled so awesome. I hope this helps.

Ruby V:It definitely sounds like you bought an watered down version. The authentic opium parfum is amazing. The packaging has not changed since I've been wearing the parfurm for 30+ years. I was in my teens when my boyfriend (husband now) bought it for me. I have not worn anything but the pure parfurm and til this day I always get compliments. The real parfum is worth the price. so to be safe always purchase your perfume from Yves Saint Laurent directly. Jan 20, 2015

eliza:
That seems to be case, the supply insists its genuine. I have used Opium Extract for about 30 years. Stopped couple years ago when unable to obtain it from department stores. I will be buying direct from ysl when I've recovered from my disappointment.
Jan 21, 2015

chris c:I'm not sure if the labeling has changed, but I think the perfume itself has changed. It's not the same scent that I bought three or four years ago. I don't know why the company changed the formula, because I got so many compliments on the original scent.Jan 20, 2015

eliza:
Absolutely, the bottle should say what you have bought. I paid £128 UK pound sterling (193 Us dollars). I can't seem to find Yves Saint Laurent contact number to have the perfume verified. Thanks for your imput.
Jan 21, 2015

Ronald M:It would appear that you purchased a knockoff. Even if Opium changed their formula it would be unlikely that they would change packaging, i.e.. peeling lettering, omissions on brand. I recently purchased Opium Parfumefor my significant other and, as always, she was thrilled with the product and had absolutely no complaints. Opium is the only fragrance she wears and has for years.Jan 21, 2015

Michele W:Mine, and I bought it on the site of YSL, has the parfume on the bottom. The fragrance stays and can transfer to your clothing. I am sorry to say I fell the fragrance dose not last as it use to. They must have changed something in the formula. I have been an opium fan for decades and find it harder to acquire .Jan 21, 2015

Tina T:The product that I bought from Yves Saint Laurent is definitely the original parfum. It is in the same bottle that it has always been in. I have been using this perfume for years and have had a hard time finding it in retail outlets, therefore I order it directly from Yves Saint Laurent.Jan 20, 2015

Catherine L:the 1/2 oz bottles I bought in the past had "parfum" written under "Opium" on front of the bottle. The last ones I bought do not have"parfum" on the bottle. I bought it from the Yves St Laurentofficial web site ; and for $175 1/2 oz , it had better be real!Jan 21, 2015

eliza:
Hi, I do hope your is the real thing, I expect you would have doubted its authenticity on your first use as I did if it was a fake. Also, the peeling of the gold writing would have rang warning bells.
Jan 21, 2015

Debra A B:I believe that YSL changed the formula. I agree, it is not the same. However, I can smell it late in the day after putting it on in the early AM. I don't know why they changed the formula and I truly wish they hadn't.Jan 21, 2015

Ramón J:If it doesn't smell the same it's because it's been badly reformulated, like all perfumes today. The only solution is to hit them where it hurts, do not buy it from them, instead by from ebay.May 12, 2015

Timothy K:I have not seen a size larger than 0.5 oz of the Opium parfum, either in stores or at the YSL online store, in over three years.A shame has the 0.5 size goes much too quickly.Please bring back the larger sizes in the parfum.Oct 11, 2013

Linda B:I ordered this last year through the YSL website since it is no longer available in Stores. I ordered the 15ml size. This size usually lasts me 10 months. You could check the website to see if there is a larger size.Oct 10, 2013

carol j:Toilette has alcohol and parfum is the oils Parfum is stronger and lasts longer. I personally use the toilette after showers/baths while skin is still wet. Then follow up with a bit of parfum on the pulse spots and any special area for a special sensory treat. Hope rhis helps.May 8, 2012

jackee c:SINCE THE SENCE OF SMELL IS AN INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCE, I LIKE THE TOILETTE WATER FOR SUMMERTIME & THE PERFUME FOR USE IN THE WINTER...IT'S A MATTER OF THE INTENSITY OF THE FRAGRANCE..I HAVE ENJOYED USING THE BODY POWDER AFTER BATHING FOR MANY YEARS & HAVE ALWAYS USED THIS PARTICULAR SCENT , SINCE IT IT AGREES WITH MY BODY CHEMISTRY & LEAVES A MOST PLEASING AROMA ON MY SKIN...May 7, 2012

Peter K:Parfums have a more robust oil base than toilettes, causing the scent to remain on the skin longer. In laypersons terms, parfums are stronger than toilettes, causing them to be more expensive.May 7, 2012

Michele W:A slow twist with a little upward pressure. Be gentle so to not spill. The top stopper has a rubber like boot on it so that it fits very tight. This is to limit lost from evaporation. Be patient, once you get use to the procedure it becomes quite natural.Apr 15, 2014

First, move the cording out of the way. Then twist the stopper as you pull it out. It is in the bottle very firmly to start. Make sure you hold the bottle tightly in your other hand. Be careful when applying this product. I have knocked the bottle over twice, spilling its' precious contents and damaging my dtresser top. I think the Eau de Parfum form is safer to use. It is a spray. Of course, there is nothing like the intoxicating scent of pure Opium perfume.Apr 15, 2014

carol j:The smell! The real Opium has a smooth oily feel as opposed to a thin alcohol base.. Also Yves St. Laurent is a world wide, well known brand. And Opium packaging is top drawer,.very distinguished..Jun 10, 2012

When you wear any parfum it changes after the top notes rub off...it is possible it is the reaction with your body chemistry....it changes on me but gets better and that change is really the essence of the fragrance....hope this helps.....

carol j:I don't why they changed the scent either. The only change needed was a new campaign. The scent was as timeless classic and readily identifiable as Chanel No5. You don't see them messing with that! But I continue to purxhasenit hoping they'll return to the original scent. Keep buying but keep questioning until we get it back.Mar 28, 2014

Maria M:As far as I know, Macy's carries it in stores...even in small markets....but for the entire collection of products I order from YSL....wonderful and prompt service....the powder is awesome as is the bath/shower gel....and the body lotion makes your skin very soft...layering all these products make it last longer through out the day...love it and have worn it for years and years....Oct 10, 2013

Jim H:
Frances, thanks for the reply. I have seen it only on the YSL US website but they will not ship internationally and I can not find it in the UK or Europe. My wife has used this perfume for years and now can't buy it anywhere.

A shopper asked:I am almost out of my opium perfum and am hesitant to buy it since the formula is new, I loved the old formula and have worn it for over 30 years. Dang why do they have to mess with a good thing. Will you go back to the orginial formula?Nov 27, 2012

Veronica S:As you I also have enjoyed this formula for over 30 years, and was dissapointed when I could not buy it at the department store perfume counter however, I was able to buy the "old" formula again on the YSL site. Enjoy!VeronicaNov 27, 2012

Robert B:I bought this for my wife who wore it most of her life when younger. She returned it saying that it was not the same as it used to be. Something about missing lower notes (I think, or something like that). Nov 27, 2012

Ron S:My wife has been using the Parfum for years, and we recently purchased some from directly from Yves Saint Laurent. Neither she nor I can detect any difference in this and older bottles. She did have an older bottle which we used for comparison purposes. Be aware that there are third party retailers on the internet that are selling the Parfum at a substantial discount. A number of customers have stated that the scent of these bottles seems to be different.May 12, 2012

Holly R:Opium has been my winter fragrance for years. In the past few years, it has vanished from the usual high end department stores. I researched sources and ordered directly from the YSL site. The Opium parfum that I received is the original product. I have reordered with the same results. Hope this helps you, Fiona.Jul 10, 2013

Katalin D:I have been using Opium PERFUME for the past 20 + years. I purchased my latest bottle of Opium PERFUME from the Yves Saint Laurant website on October 2011, at that time, the fragerence was still the same as before. I could not find the PERFUME in department or other stores, these stores only have the eau the toilette, eau the parfume etc. Those products obviously do not have the same fragerence as the perfume.Hopefully the formula has not been changed since Oct. 2011.Jan 2, 2013

Veronica S:THere is a new version at Department stores it is true, however I purchased mine through the YSL web site. The ones available at stores are in a new oackageing, different bottle. If you buy the one from YSL here, it is the same as before. Ive been using the parfum since about 1970, I can tell you it has not changed, as long as you get the same looking bottle shown here.Dec 30, 2012

Margaret R:Recently, I purchased a gift set of opium eau de parfum at a department for $125.00 and the label on the bottle stated that it was made in New York but the label on the body crème stated that it was made in france.Dec 20, 2014

Yolanda C asked:is it only available in this bottle with the tassel for $175.00.if it available in the more expensive bottle and same fragrance, why can't I get it in the clear bottle($80.00 or so)...sell it in both the old bottle(clear) with the same fragrance as the $175..00 and the new bottle (dark amber perfume)the new fragrance( hardly smells)...you still make it for $175.00 anyway in the strong fragrance.......so just bring it back in the clear bottle...pleaseeeeeeeeee....????Sep 1, 2013

kari r asked:I just finished a comment to you but forgot to read the comments. Glad to know so many others agree. And that the original Opium is not available at department stores, but can be ordered on the YSL online. I would like to order the 1.6 full oz. non spray bottle. Where?Kari RughDenver COFeb 10, 2013

A shopper asked:I am looking for non spray perfume. you are the only one has this. I called so many stores in oregon and washington. please notfy me in February or after April 2013. Do not contact me in March 2013.

A shopper asked:AFTER READING THIS,I AM A LITTLE CONCERNED! I BOUGHT MY DAUGHTER A BOTTLE SEVERAL YEARS BACK BUT I WAS PAYING COLLEGE BILLS ,ETC ! SO,I WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN IT IS THE SAME AS I GOT HER?THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY I COULD SPEND ON SOMETHING WAITED?Nov 20, 2012

Pamela R asked:I am hoping one of you so familiar with Opium can help me out. I was given a gift set awhile back and believe it or not, I have a 2.5 oz body lotion never used and a small bottle I think is around 50-75 ml. I can no longer wear it and decided to put them on Ebay. I can't believe there have been no bids with how low starting price is. But the problem I have is recalling the amt in this little bottle and can not read the bottom well enough to be certain. I am not even certain about what it is. because he seems stronger than a toilette and it is not a spray. It seems to large of an amt to be a parfum though. Not sure if YSL changed bottle sizes of product when they were making changes??? I had an email asking me about the amt, due to an error in listing that Ebay filled in based on another prod I was using for help listing. First time listing. If anyone could help I would be SOOO grateful. Anything you can tell me would be fantastic. I don't want to basically just give this away and so please HELP! Anything offered will be appreciated. I think you folks would be better to ask than calling the number here, because not all customer service staff will know this type of stuff. I thank you in advance for your time and kindness.Thanks, PamSep 23, 2012

Customer Reviews

Overall rating

Diane Feigi

After being unable to find Opium in the parfum version at any of my local department stores, I was thrilled to find it online here. I immediately ordered two bottles! When it arrived, I applied some fragrance right away. I am just heartbroken! The scent is NOT the same as the Opium parfum I have loved wearing for years. Indeed, I compared the ingredients of my "old" packaging to the new, and they are different. Why oh why change perfection? The original Opium was incomparable. Please go back to that formula!

Teresa Adams

I know many of us love, love LOVE the scent of Opium we adored in the 1980s and 1990s, but this frangrance has been DESTROYED, imo, by the reformulation abomination in 2010. Ladies and gentlemen, don't be fooled by the packaging! Anything you buy that's currently offered by Yves Saint Laurent (L'Oreal) is NOT the "original Opium" we loved from the past.
YSL, PLEASE bring back the old stuff!!

Janet Beck

about a year ago I purchased my favorite scent of all time only to find out it had been changed from the fragrance I loved so much in the 80s and 90s. Sadly this change was not for the better. Based on what I've read here and on the internet it seems many others feel the same. PLEASE YSL, bring back the original!

Theresa Brezovski

I was using opium 25 years ago. Love it, Love it, Love it! Still do. Had all sorts of compliment from Strangers asking, and really liking the smell. Most of the Strangers were women, who I think sometimes can be the harshest critics. Standing in a grocery line, Shopping, etc. People and I love this smell :)